| (Tallahassee, FL) – To avoid potential abuses of automatic gratuities, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) are advising South Florida restaurateurs to educate employees and consumers about tipping policies. After receiving complaints about unclear practices, both organizations are working to raise awareness about rules regarding service charges. In Florida, it is required by law to indicate to consumers if gratuity is automatically included.
“Florida businesses want to do what’s in the best interest of both the employee and the customer,” said DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson. “To help ensure restaurant employees are rewarded for their hard work by satisfied customers who look forward to coming back, it’s imperative for all parties to understand the importance of clearly communicated tipping practices and the requirement that automatic gratuity notices must be published.” “Florida’s hospitality reputation relies on caring, exceptional service. For that reason, it is imperative that our industry clearly communicate tipping policies and adhere to all legal requirements,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “Employees and consumers must be made aware of these requirements and abuses should be reported to our partners at the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.” For further guidance on Florida’s laws regarding automatic gratuities, please click here. ### About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association |
